Cameroonian Daystar student successfully opens salon in Kenya.
By: Sere Neema
Posted on Thursday, August 15, 2019
Marie Koumanda, CEO Marielyne Beauty is originally from Cameroon but came to Kenya to pursue her studies in International Relations at Daystar University. She is a third year student making boss moves, having created employment and a name of her own in this foreign country.
Marielyne Beauty
Starting a business in Kenya can be frustrating. Most of us dread taking on that path. However, Marielyne Beauty is a 4-month business that generates enough income to pay bills, its 5 Kenyan employees and the boss herself.
Koumanda started off doing hair in her campus room then with time, charged for her services. She then settled in South B where her sitting room was her business area. Her customer base expanded, forcing her to open a physical place.
Running her business while studying
“The finances and the management… I didn’t have the experience; I didn’t know what to do. I was really scared… It was hard for me because I don’t know a lot of people in Kenya”
Marie’s first month proved difficult. Getting staff, resources and customers was a hustle. Eventually, a good Samaritan offered to help her financially, seeing her passion and determination.
She seeks to pursue her masters in Kenya and grow her business. When asked by Full circle host Joyce Omomdi what keeps her going, her dad she says.
“My dad is the only one who went that far in school… he is the one paying my fees. If I don’t want to do it for myself, let me do it for someone who wants to push me forward.”
